James Willoughby

This heart-warming video shows the moment that a seal joyfully made its return to the sea, after being freed from rope on a Northumberland beach.

The creature needed rescuing on Monday afternoon after it had become entangled in fishing nets. Passers-by spotted the stricken mammal at Low Hauxley and contacted the North East branch of the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR).

The seal caught up in the rope.

Anna Chouler, a medic with the organisation, headed to the scene. She said: "When I got down to the beach, the seal was covered in about six layers of rope. With the help of some other people, we managed to peel the rope off. The seal was quite feisty so we had to hold him down to free him properly."

Once the rope was untangled, Anna let the mammal go and it quickly made tracks back into the water. "He didn't waste any time," said Anna. "Apart from being caught up, he was in good health and headed back out there."

The BDMLR has urged anyone who spots mammals in trouble on the beach to contact them and request help on 01825 765546.